Daphne's POV
"You are John's daughter? Then who are Tabitha's parents?" Derek asked.
I was very dissatisfied with him when he mentioned Tabitha. "How was I supposed to know about that? I only found out about all of this after my mother passed away."
Of course, it was not the time to find out Tabitha's birth parents now. Regardless of whether John was my father or not, I considered him the closest person in my heart.
"Since you knew he was your father, why did you still treat him like that? He had suffered head injuries long ago."
With deep grievance, I said, "I didn't mean to. We haven't met in years, and I only recently discovered the truth. I wanted to find him, but I heard he disappeared after becoming a vegetable.
"I've seen photos of him, but he looks so different now that I didn't recognize him at first. Derek, I didn't want this either! I've already hurt my mom. How can I bear to hurt my biological father?"
Derek saw me torn by grief but showed no sympathy. "It was you who had someone send the wedding invitation. You brought all this upon yourself."
"And what about you? Why did you do this to me? You clearly promised to marry me, yet you keep messing with Tabitha. What exactly am I to you? Do you truly care for me?" I felt even more aggrieved.
Derek, on the other hand, was extremely cold and asked sarcastically, "Are you asking me if I truly care for you?"
I was stunned, and the pain felt like a stab to the heart, making me realize that this question was, in fact, a self-inflicted insult.
Derek carefully covered my legs with the blanket and leaned down to whisper in my ear, "Daphne, I reminded you last time that, for Randall's sake, I can make you the Luna of the Black Thorn Pack. But you better stay in your place.
"In my heart, you will always be his mate. I can never love you in this lifetime, and even less so in the next! I don't need your interference in my relationship. It seems like you haven't taken my words to heart."
Derek didn't touch me, but I felt a chill all over my body.
I repeatedly crossed Derek's line, and this time he would not forgive me.
"Derek, listen to me. Let me explain. I love you, and that's why I did all this. I..."
I grabbed his hand in a flustered manner and tried to explain, but Derek found it extremely absurd.
"Daphne, hearing those words from you makes me feel disgusted. I feel sorry for Randall. Our marriage is canceled. I won't marry you."
"No, Derek, you can't do this to me."
"Don't worry. I won't treat you unfairly for the sake of the child." Then he said to the guy beside him, "Take Miss Sutton back to 32 Seaside Avenue."
I shook my head frantically. "Derek, please don't do this. I know I was wrong. I swear I won't target Tabitha again.
"Give me another chance, please. I'll explain to the media and our friends. It doesn't matter how you punish me. Just please don't cancel our marriage!"
"Daphne, it's late."
Derek finished speaking without looking at me and turned around to leave, ignoring my calls for him to turn back.
The nurse whispered, "Miss, you're in a hospital. Could you please lower your voice? If you continue to make noises, I will have to call the security guard."
Tears streamed down my face. How could a perfectly fine wedding turn into what it was today?
I just wanted to provoke Tabitha. I sobbed, "I, I want to see John."
"Sorry, John is just out of danger and visitors are temporarily not allowed. If you really want to see him, just take a quick look from outside."
Through the glass, I saw John inside, covered in therapeutic equipment. Tears streamed down my face as I whispered, "Dad, I'm sorry..."
In my heart, my wolf was in sorrow silently. "Why did things turn out like this?"